Patna: The Bihar government has announced a major step to promote the state’s rich tradition of folk art and handicrafts by developing four villages into dedicated craft hubs, known as Shilpgrams. The announcement was made by the state’s arts, culture and tourism minister, Arun Shankar Prasad, who said the initiative would help artists connect directly with markets, training facilities and tourism opportunities. The villages selected for development are Ranty in Madhubani district, Rayam in Darbhanga, Bhusara in Muzaffarpur and Tharakatti in Gayaji.
The decision was announced during a ceremony marking the formal launch of Bihar’s first Shilpgram at Jitwarpur in Madhubani. Jitwarpur is widely known for its association with Mithila painting, one of Bihar’s most recognised traditional art forms. Speaking at the event, the minister said the government wants to give Bihar’s cultural heritage national and international recognition. A proposal to develop the four new villages as Shilpgrams will soon be sent to the Union Ministry of Textiles for approval and support.
Officials said the selected villages are known for their strong cultural backgrounds and traditional crafts. By turning them into organised craft villages, the government hopes to create better infrastructure for artists. Plans include spaces where artisans can display and sell their work, as well as facilities for training and workshops. The aim is to reduce the struggle artists often face in finding buyers and to ensure they receive fair value for their work.
Anjani Kumar Singh, director general of the Bihar Museum, said the Shilpgram model would give artists a permanent platform to showcase their talent. He added that such initiatives could encourage young people to take interest in traditional arts instead of moving away from them. The government believes that linking art with tourism and the local economy will create new job opportunities and strengthen rural development.
If the project moves forward as planned, these villages could become important cultural and tourism centres in the coming years. For many artists, the success of these Shilpgrams may open new doors, not only within India but also on the global stage, helping Bihar’s traditional art gain the recognition it deserves.
